Meat loaf
6 servings
120 minutes
Meatloaf is a traditional dish of Russian cuisine, infused with the aromas of spices and the juiciness of minced meat. Its roots trace back to family dinners where the combination of beef and pork creates a rich flavor, complemented by crispy bacon and a sweet-spicy hint of brown sugar. Baked to a golden crust, it retains tenderness inside while spices add zest. Ideal for serving with mashed potatoes or fresh vegetables, meatloaf embodies the comfort, warmth, and heartiness of home cooking that delights both taste and soul.
1
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Grease the cake pan and line it with baking paper.
2
Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry the finely chopped bacon until crispy. Place on a paper towel.
- Bacon: 125 g
3
Place the meat, finely chopped onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, egg, vinegar, sugar, and bacon in a large bowl. Generously sprinkle with spices and knead by hand, not with a mixer.
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Minced pork: 500 g
- Onion: 1 head
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Crushed breadcrumbs: 160 g
- Caraway leaves: 2 teaspoons
- Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Chicken egg: 1 piece
- Brown soft sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Spices: to taste
4
Transfer the mixture to the mold and press down slightly. Level the top and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, or until done. Insert a fork or metal stick into the center of the loaf, leave for 3 seconds, then touch immediately. If the fork is very hot, it's ready; if not, cook for a bit longer. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then turn the mold onto a plate. Cut into pieces and drizzle with the juices from the mold.